If there’s only room for one appliance, a washer-dryer combines washing and drying, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity and drying can take longer. If there’s enough height to stack two compatible appliances, or you already own a washing machine, a separate tumble dryer avoids this capacity trade-off. In that case, check the available space, connections and how water or air is vented.
If you need to wash and dry your clothes but have no space for a second appliance or a usable clothes airer, a washer-dryer takes up just one floor space. Bear in mind, though, that you’ll need to load it according to its lower drying capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If you’re short on width but have enough height, stacking two appliances gives you separate drums. Check the appliance model numbers and stacking kit: Bosch says compatibility needs to be confirmed for each installation.
If you only want to add mechanical drying, consider where a separate tumble dryer could go. For a heat pump model, check how water is collected and what maintenance is needed. If you’re planning a stacked set-up, also make sure it’s compatible with your washing machine.
Worth considering: when you can install only one appliance and want to wash and dry your clothes in one go, without transferring them.
Trade-off: according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and drying can take longer than with a separate tumble dryer.
Worth considering: when there’s enough height to accommodate two drums without needing space for two appliances side by side.
Things to consider: Bosch advises checking that the models can be stacked and using a compatible kit. You’ll also need to consider the overall height and access to the controls.
Worth considering: if you already have a washing machine and can fit another appliance on the floor or, once compatibility is confirmed, above it.
Things to consider: the drying method affects how water is handled. According to BUT, a vented model needs an air outlet to the outside.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the width, depth and height of the space, then allow room to open the doors. For a stacked set-up, also check that you can reach the controls. | I only have space for one appliance on the floor: will a combination appliance or two stacked appliances actually fit? |
| Drying capacity | For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities separately. For example, Electrolux France lists the EWW8416DB at 8/4 kg and the EW9W1165RC at 10/6 kg. | If I want to dry a load without taking any clothes out, I need to choose a load size based on drying capacity, not washing capacity. |
| Cycle time and energy use | Compare the duration and energy and water use of the programme you’ll use, for a similar load. UFC-Que Choisir measures the water, electricity and programme duration for washing and drying cycles on washer-dryers. | If I need my clothes ready quickly or dry them often, the full cycle time and energy use matter just as much as the space saved. |
| Installation | Confirm the water inlet and drainage needed for washing, the stacking kit’s compatibility, and how the tumble dryer handles water. According to BUT, a vented model needs a duct leading outside. | I want to be able to install and use the appliances in the space I’ve chosen, without finding out later that I need an air outlet or a compatible kit. |
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry in one go. With a large load, you may need to take some clothes out before drying.
Compare the washing and drying capacities in that order, and base your choice on the amount you usually want to dry.
An unsuitable set-up could shift or fall. Bosch says, for example, that one of its kits requires a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm; this requirement doesn’t apply to every kit.
Note down the exact model numbers of both appliances, check which kit is designed for them, and measure the stacked set-up as well as the door openings.
Remember to budget for a compatible stacking kit as an additional accessory.
According to BUT, a vented tumble dryer needs a duct leading outside, while condenser models don’t need an external air outlet.
Check whether you have an air outlet or, for a closed-circuit appliance, whether you can access the water collection tank and whether direct drainage is possible for the model you’ve chosen.
UFC-Que Choisir reports that washer-dryers take longer to dry than conventional tumble dryers and use water during drying. These differences matter particularly if you run several loads in a row.
For the models you’re considering, compare drying capacity, cycle time and the energy and water use of the wash-and-dry programme with how often you plan to use it.
These examples highlight the capacities and installation requirements of specific models; they don’t represent every model in each brand’s range.
Two washer-dryers from Electrolux France let you compare different load capacities and technologies.
The FFWDB 864489 BV FR washer-dryer is another model to consider when measuring up your space.
Bosch France’s guidance can help you plan a stacked installation.
This selection includes four washer-dryers that combine both functions in one appliance, as well as a separate heat pump tumble dryer to complement a washing machine. The inclusion of the tumble dryer doesn’t confirm that it’s suitable for a stacked installation.
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Combining washing and drying in one appliance, this model is listed at 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Keep the load for a combined cycle within the drying limit, and check the clearance needed around the appliance.
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This washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance, with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. If you plan to run the cycles one after the other, keep the load within the drying capacity and check the duration of the programme you’ll use.
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The Zeo One is designed to wash and dry in one appliance, with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Its product name also mentions Zeo-Cycle technology. A full wash load exceeds its stated drying capacity, so check the dimensions and cycle duration before deciding where to put it.
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The Zeo Lite combines washing and drying in one appliance, with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Its product name mentions Zeo-Cycle and 27 wash programmes. For a combined cycle, bear the 6 kg drying capacity in mind and check the dimensions and duration of your chosen programme.
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This separate 8 kg tumble dryer can complement an existing washing machine; it doesn’t wash clothes. Before planning a stacked set-up, confirm that both appliances and the kit are compatible, then check the dimensions and how water is handled.
Not if the load exceeds the model’s drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. Check both figures and, if needed, reduce the load or take some clothes out before drying.
Yes. Its washing function needs a water inlet and a waste water outlet, just like a washing machine. Check the manual for the model’s connections and levelling requirements at your chosen location.
According to BUT, a vented tumble dryer needs a duct leading outside. Condenser and heat pump models work in a closed circuit; check how the water collected is handled by the appliance you choose.
No. Bosch recommends confirming that both model numbers are suitable for stacking and choosing a compatible kit. Also check the depth, overall height and access to the controls.
If you use a separate tumble dryer regularly and keep an eye on electricity use, compare heat pump models with conventional condenser models. Boulanger’s comparison describes heat pump models as using less electricity but often taking longer. Check the cycle times and energy use for the programmes you’re interested in.